74: Google Business Profile Suspensions

Summary

In this episode, Meredith's husband discusses common issues with Google Business Profile suspensions and how to resolve them. He shares insights on why these suspensions happen, often related to addresses or inappropriate business names, and explains the steps for reinstating an account using Google's new contact forms. This episode is beneficial for website owners by offering strategies to maintain their business profiles and improve visibility, emphasizing the importance of following Google's guidelines.

How to Handle Google Business Profile Suspensions and Keep Your Business Visible

Google Business Profile (GBP) is a vital tool for local businesses, helping them appear in local search results, often through Google Maps. However, many business owners face the frustrating issue of having their GBP accounts suspended, which can significantly impact their online visibility and lead generation. In this post, we’ll dive into what causes these suspensions, how you can avoid them, and the steps to take if your account is suspended.

Why Google Business Profile Suspensions Happen

Suspensions occur when Google flags an account for violating its policies, though Google rarely provides detailed explanations. One common cause for suspensions is inconsistencies or issues related to your business address. Google is strict about ensuring that the business address listed in a profile is legitimate. If you’re operating from a co-working space or using a non-specific address like a PO Box, this can raise red flags. Additionally, using business names that Google finds inappropriate or suspicious can trigger a suspension.

The frustrating part? Google often reinstates suspended accounts without explaining why they were suspended in the first place, as Meredith's husband points out. This lack of transparency adds to the confusion, but fortunately, there are steps to resolve the situation.

Steps to Reinstating a Suspended Google Business Profile

Meredith’s husband highlights the recent improvements Google has made to help business owners resolve suspensions more effectively. Here are the key steps to follow:

• Use Google's Contact Form: Google now provides a contact form specifically for reinstating suspended accounts. While the expected resolution time is about two weeks, it can take longer. However, this is the best first step if your account is suspended.

• Double-Check Your Business Information: Before submitting your reinstatement request, review Google’s guidelines to ensure that you’re not violating any policies. Common mistakes include using PO Boxes or shared addresses without unique suite numbers. Ensure that your address meets Google's requirements by having a specific business location or suite number, especially if you're in a co-working space.

• Be Honest and Transparent: When reaching out to Google, be clear about your business situation. For example, if you work from home, let Google know this and explain how your home functions as your business headquarters.

Address Concerns for Better Visibility

Google prefers businesses with a legitimate, physical address because it makes them more verifiable. Meredith's husband emphasizes the importance of having a physical address over just listing a service area. This is especially true for businesses like photographers or home-based services that travel to clients. When people search using Google Maps, businesses with physical addresses are more likely to appear than those without one. However, listing an inaccurate address to game the system is a surefire way to get suspended.

Here are some tips to avoid suspension and boost your visibility:

• Avoid using PO Boxes or shared addresses without a suite number.

• If working from a co-working space, ensure you have a unique suite number that differentiates your business from others.

• If operating from home, make sure your address is legitimate and that someone is available during business hours to receive visitors or packages.

Final Thoughts

If your Google Business Profile is suspended, it’s not the end of the world. Most suspensions get resolved, especially if you take the right steps to reinstate your account. Follow Google’s guidelines, be patient, and maintain accurate business information to improve your online visibility.

Resources

• Contact forms for reinstating Google Business Profiles

• Google’s guidelines for acceptable business addresses